DADD and the Diversity Committee hosted the fourth Shared Agenda breakfast meeting on April 22, during the 2010 CEC Convention in Nashville. The purpose of this meeting is to interface with other Division Diversity committees through their representatives and address diversity/diversity issues within the field of special education and individual divisions.

We have a new, recently approved Identity Statement, answering the question “Who is the membership of the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)?”. Please view it here.

Ten colleges and universities participated in our Student Recruitment Grant this year. The colleges and universities that applied for the grant were awarded $75.00 from DDD to assist their student chapters in recruitment activities.

As many of you know from reading the website, this division is in the process of changing its name to the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD). Because of our name change, this article will focus on autism.

The 2010 Dolly Gray Awards for Children's Literature in Developmental Disabilities, were awarded to The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Down, and Understanding Sam and Asperger's Syndrome by Clarabelle van Niekerk and Liezl Venter.

The DADD Board of Directors supports the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0 through 18 years of age. Over two dozen epidemiological studies failed to identify a causal relationship between vaccinations and autism. The initial research that suggested such a relationship has been discredited. We recommend all families discuss vaccinations with their family health care provider on how best to maintain the health and safety of their child and those who cannot be immunized due to medical reasons.

DADD is seeking nominations - self or other - for three board positions to start January 1, 2014: Vice President (4 year term), Southeast, and Far West. Please note, Southeast and Far West representatives must live in those respective regions. Nominations may be sent to incoming DADD Executive Director Teresa Taber Doughty (tabert@purdue.edu).

The Executive Board of the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities sends its heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the horrific events that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Recent media reports that the shooter may have had an autism spectrum disorder are disturbing and, at the moment, unsubstantiated. We recognize that everyone is attempting to understand the circumstances that lead to this tragedy and, consequently, there has been a great deal of discussion about the role autism and mental health may have had in this horrific event. While we welcome discussions that may lead to improved services and a better society, it is critical that the media and public refrain from generating fear and demonizing people with autism.

Students with autism usually grow into adults who live happy, productive, and fulfilling lives. Importantly, there is no evidence that people with autism are more prone to violent behavior than the general population. We urge the media to exercise caution when reporting the details about the tragedy. Inaccurate reporting, sensational language, and a need for an explanation for the seemingly unexplainable are already generating stereotypes about people with autism. We stand with Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America in their request that the public not fear people with autism and other developmental disabilities. No matter what is learned about the tragedy, autism is not to blame. Such a suggestion distracts from the very necessary conversation this country needs to have regarding safety, services, and violence prevention.

The professionals who work with students who have autism spectrum disorder will likely have many colleagues, parents, and friends who may come to them for information. The Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities requests that professionals emphasize during their discussions that violence is not part of autism and that people with autism are deserving of our compassion and support.

The Board of Directors, Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) announce the opening of the position of Executive Director of the division. Dr. Tom Smith, Executive Director since 1994, will step down from the position effective December 31, 2013. The Executive Director serves as the professional representative of the board and provides support to board members. The appointment is for five years, renewable with board recommendation; there is monthly compensation.

DADD voted to move its annual business meeting from the annual CEC Convention to the DADD annual conference. DADD will still maintain a presence at CEC, but the business meetings and awards will move to the DADD conference. Check out the DADD statement on this issue.

Things don’t always work out the way you’ve planned. Five years ago I would have told you at this point I would be working as a special education administrator. Ten years ago, I figured I would be in Prague, fluent in Czech, and working somewhere interesting and exotic. Twenty years ago I prepared for a future in architecture, medicine, or film. Today, I am in my third year of graduate school working toward a Ph.D. in special education. I have not yet been an administrator, had an address in Prague, nor have I diagnosed anything beyond my own lack of sleep. And I honestly could not see it any other way.

DADD and the Diversity Committee hosted the fourth Shared Agenda breakfast meeting on April 22, during the 2010 CEC Convention in Nashville. The purpose of this meeting is to interface with other Division Diversity committees through their representatives and address diversity/diversity issues within the field of special education and individual divisions.

We have a new, recently approved Identity Statement, answering the question “Who is the membership of the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)?”. Please view it here.

As many of you know from reading the website, this division is in the process of changing its name to the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD). Because of our name change, this article will focus on autism.

Ten colleges and universities participated in our Student Recruitment Grant this year. The colleges and universities that applied for the grant were awarded $75.00 from DDD to assist their student chapters in recruitment activities.

The 2010 Dolly Gray Awards for Children's Literature in Developmental Disabilities, were awarded to The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Down, and Understanding Sam and Asperger's Syndrome by Clarabelle van Niekerk and Liezl Venter.